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Kirby Malzeard

The first walk of 2003 brought a crisp frosty day with clear skies as 14 members and two visitors met me outside the village post office. What a good start to the year.

The party included a number of the mountain biking section softies who didn't fancy the 'fast' ride billed for that day. One of these, a well known section leader, even tried to wimp out of an easy walk on the pretext that he had left his (brand new) boots at home. Not a chance! After a bit of arm twisting he decided that he could manage an easy walk in an old pair of trainers that he did have with him.

It's amazing what you see when you have a few moments to watch the world go by. As we waited for the above section leader to put his trainers on (it took ages) a man came down the street and into his shop with a wheelbarrow - full of ducks. He was the local butcher.

We left the village to the sound of church bells peeling as we passed the sports field and headed across the fields towards Laverton. This hamlet lies astride the river Laver which we crossed and headed steadily up towards Lumley Moor which is not a proper moor but an area of rough grazing. A leisurely coffee stop at this the highest point on the route allowed us time to take in the views. Although not very high our vantage point and the clear winter air made views across to the distant snow covered Cleveland Hills possible.

Descending on an old drove road through the hamlet of Belford and across the river Laver once again we came upon a quiet riverside field near Beckmeetings Farm where we stopped for lunch. Sheltered by a wall and in the winter sunshine it was surprisingly warm and the peace and quiet of the place were very relaxing.

Wending our way along narrow lanes, through farms and across fields we came to Biggin Grange, where the farmhouse is now the residence of a well heeled gentleman. In the courtyard we noticed two large metallic ornaments about one metre square and one and a half metres high. While musing on their origin the owner came out, thinking we were lost, and explained that they were newly cast in China and imported as planters for his garden. Just a bit more flashy than your average plant pot.

The final leg of our route was via a boggy riverside lane (the frost having eased and allowed the ground to soften) leading onto the back lane behind the houses and so to journey's end completing an easy but interesting eight miles. A visit to the nearby Henry Jenkins public house for lemonade completed an enjoyable day.

PS. Dave liked walking in his trainers so much that he has for sale one pair of new and unused Altberg boots - offers please!!!

Alan Turner

Last Modified: 7 May, 2003